SIM-26: Natural Resources Protective Association Collection

Collection

Identifier: SIM-26

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection primarily consists of mailings distributed by NRPA, including newsletters, and mailings received from affiliated groups and other organizations working on similar issues. There is some official testimony prepared and presented by Lou Figurelli, as well as several articles by James Scarcella, as well as a large amount of printed materials dealing with maritime environmental issues and newsclippings covering the activities of the NRPA. Subject files often deal with threatened environmental resources or provide background information used by the NRPA in their efforts.

Dates

1977 - 2015

Biographical / Historical

Established in 1977 by Lou Figurelli, the NRPA is a consortium of concerned citizens, conservation groups, environmental groups, sportsmen clubs, and yacht clubs dedicated to protecting the marine environment of Raritan Bay and Lower New York Harbor. The NRPA works in close association with other groups, such as Clean Ocean Action, and Coastal Conservation Association/New York, N.Y./N.J. Baykeeper of Highlands N.J., and Save The Bay of Keansburg, N.J., to protect the entire ecosystem of the New York Bight. A primary activity of the NRPA has been an ongoing review and critique of the Dredged Material Management Plan of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct large toxic “containment islands” and fill “borrow pits” with toxic dredge spoils from Newark Bay, home of the worst corporate polluters in the history of our nation. Other causes have included opposition to mechanical dredging for clams and oysters, and corporate dumping of toxic chemicals into the bay. In addition to raising public awareness, the NRPA has successfully filed lawsuits.

Extent

2.45 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Lou Figurelli (9/5/1928-11/5/1994), a commercial fisherman and sportsman who lived on a boat in Lemon Creek on the Coast of Staten Island was an activist in the fight to protect Raritan Bay and Lower New York Harbor. He founded the Natural Resources Protective Association (NRPA) in 1977, of which James Scarcella was later president. This collection includes materials from the era of Figurelli’s leadership, but mostly consists of papers documenting the activities of NRPA during Scarcella’s presidency and were donated by him. Please see the linked finding aid for folder listings.